A car accident can cause carpal tunnel by traumatizing the median nerve in several ways.
Can carpal tunnel be caused by a car accident? The answer is yes – carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) can be caused by a car accident. Here’s a detailed explanation of how this happens and what you can do if you develop this condition after an accident.
How a Car Accident Can Cause Carpal Tunnel
To understand how a car accident can cause carpal tunnel, we must first understand what carpal tunnel is. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed.
A car accident can cause carpal tunnel by traumatizing the median nerve in several ways. First, the force of the impact can compress the nerve against the bones of the wrist. Second, the victim may grip the steering wheel tightly during the accident, which can compress the nerve. The victim may also place their hands in a dangerous position during the accident, which can stretch or tear the median nerve.
These injuries can be tough on victims, negatively affecting their ability to carry on with their day-to-day activities. Even the simplest tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, or holding a cup, become difficult. And when it comes to working, carpal tunnel can make it difficult for people to type, use a computer, or do any sort of manual labor. As a result, carpal tunnel can lead to lost wages and even job loss.
Proving That a Car Accident Caused Your Carpal Tunnel
Given the adverse consequences carpal tunnel can have on a person’s life, accident victims must take steps to ensure that they can recover full and fair compensation for their injuries. Here are key pieces of evidence that can be used to prove that a car accident caused carpal tunnel:
Medical Evidence
Specifically, you’ll need a diagnosis from a doctor linking your carpal tunnel to the car accident. This can be in the form of a report or letter from your treating physician. Ideally, this document will specifically state that the car accident was the cause of your carpal tunnel.
However, even if the connection is not explicitly stated, medical records documenting your symptoms and treatment can still be used to support your claim. For example, if you develop carpal tunnel soon after the accident and your doctor prescribes physical therapy or surgery to treat the condition, these records can be used to show that there is a causal link between the accident and your injuries.
Injury Diary/ Personal Notes
Keeping a diary of your symptoms and how they have affected your daily life can be very helpful in building your case. Make sure to include details such as when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and what activities make them worse. This type of evidence can be very persuasive to a judge or jury, as it provides a firsthand account of the pain and suffering you have experienced. If you have any photos or videos documenting your symptoms, be sure to include those as well.
St. Louis Car Accident Injury Attorneys
Generally, these types of cases are tough to maneuver. If you have been injured in a car accident, you will benefit greatly from working closely with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. At The Hoffman Law Firm, we have over 20 years of experience protecting the rights of injured car accident victims, as well as the knowledge and resources necessary to help you get the best possible outcome. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.